Adjustable shelf



March 29, 1949. w. R. JEWELL ADJUSTABLE SHELF Filed March 4,

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1 a A M F 2 1 a J? U Inventor-z William R. Jewell,

H is Attorney.

Patented Mar. 29, 1949 ADJUSTABLE SHELF William R. Jewell, Erie, Pa.,assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New YorkApplication March 4, 1948, Serial No. 13,015

15 Claims. (Cl. 211-153) My invention relates to shelves andmoreparticularly to adjustable shelves for cabinets.

In some cabinets, for example in cabinets utilized for householdrefrigerators, the maximum utilization of the available storage spacedictates the spacing of the shelves a distance corresponding to theheight of most of the articles to be stored in the cabinet.Occasionally, however, it may be necessary to place in the cabinet anumber of tall articles whose height exceeds the normal shelf spacing.By providing an arrangement whereby a portion of a shelving may beshifted out of its normal position, it is possible to provide additionalspace for tall articles when a large number of such articles is to bestored in the cabinet.

Accordingly, it is an object of my invention toprovide an improved shelfstructure including provision for varying the position of aportion oftheshelf.

It is another object of my invention to provide an improved shelfstructure having two shelf sections and including provisionfor placingthe sechens in stacked relationship.

Further obiects and advantages of my invention: will become apparent asthe following description proceeds and the features of novelty whichcharacterize my invention will be pointed out with particularity in theclaims annexed to and. forming part of this: specification.

For a better understanding of. my invention reference may be had to theaccompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 is a view of a portion of arefrigerator cabinet. including: a. shelf embodying my invention; Fig. 2is: a side elevation view showing the parts of the shelf in one;position; Fig; 3 is a. side elevation view showing. the. shelf partsin asecond; or intermediate.position; Fig: 4 a. side elevation view'showing. the shelf parts in a: third position; and Fig. 5;is;anelevation-view or a portion. of a shelf illustrating a modified form ofmy invention;

Referring now to the drawing; there is shown a. refrigerator cabinet I.including. an outer wall and an inner wall 3. Suitable insulating ma-The shelf l0 includes a frame II, a rear shelf section 82 and a frontshelf section l3. The frame I I is U-shap-ed and includes a rear portionM and two side portions 5. The side portions each include a frontsection IS. a lower rear section I! and an inclined section 18connecting the front and rear sections. The front of each side portionof the frame is bent downwardly at l9 to fit about the shelf supports 8and 9 and a stop 20 is secured to each side portion to preventinadvertent forward motion of the frame ll. Two depending ears 2| aresecured to the rear portion of the frame and are arranged to fit aboutthe shelf supports 6 and 1 for supporting the frame thereon. The rearportion of the frame includes two raised sections 22. A U-shaped bracket23 is secured to each of the raised portions 22 so that the top surfaceof the base of each bracket is located substantially in the samehorizontal plane as the front sections [6 of the side portions of theframe. A cross brace 24 is provided to strengthen the frame II.

The rear shelf section l2 includes two cross bars 2 5 and 26 and aplurality of connecting wires 2'! which form the shelf surface. Thecross bar 25 is adapted to be received within the brackets 23 and thecross bar 26 is adapted to rest ori'tl'ie front sections I6 of the sideportions of the frame. If desired, the brackets 23 may be closed overthe top of the cross bar 25 to retain the rear shelf section in positionwithin the brackets.

The front shelf section includes two cross bars 28 and 29 and aplurality of connecting shelf wires 30; The cross bar 2 9 is shaped toprovide downwardly extending end portions 3!. These depending portions31 extend behind the shelf supports 8 and 9 and: prevent inadvertentshifting, forward of the front shelf section l-3. Each end; of the"crossbar 2B is bent downwardly and inwardly about the side portion ofthe frame to form hooks 32'. The: portionof each hookex tending beneaththe frame is arranged in contact withthe frame or only slightly spacedtherefrom: so as to prevent. any inadvertent tipping of the front shelfsection t3.

In Figs. 1 and 2, the shelf is shown in the position: for: normal usagewherein it extends over substantially the entire width and depth of theinterior of the cabinet. When additional storage space for tall:articles: is required the front shelf section [3 is adapted to be movedto the position shown. in Fig. 4. wherein. this shelf section isdisposed beneath the rear shelf section. I2 in vertically=arrangedstacked relationship. In order to: facilitate; the shifting of thefrontshelf section from the position shown in Fig. 2 to the position shown inFig. 4, the plane of each of the hooks 32 is arranged substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of its respective one of the inclinedsections l8 which connect the front and rear sections it and ll of theside portions of the frame. Accordingly, although the cross bar 28 andthe lower portions of the hooks 32 fit snugly about the front sectionsl6 of the frame when the shelf section I3 is in its normal positionwhere the plane of the hooks 32 is inclined relative to the plane of thesections I6, the hooks slide easily over the inclined sections l8because of the plane of the hooks is substantially perpendicularthereto.

In order to effect shifting of the front shelf section [3 to theposition beneath the rear shelf section l2, wherein it is supported onthe lower rear sections I 7 of the side portions of the frame, the rearshelf section I2 is swung upwardly about its cross bar 25 which rests inthe brackets 23. It is only necessary to lift the front edge of thisshelf section l2 slightly so that the front shelf section l3 may be slidbeneath the cross bar 26, and the cross bar 26 may be allowed to rest onthe shelf wires 30 of the front shelf section during the remainder ofthe shifting operation, as shown in Fig. 3. The hooks 32 pass easilyover the inclined sections I8 since, because of the perpendicularrelationship, the maximum spacing between the lower portion of the hooks32 and the cross bar 28 is utilized. The shelf section 13 is slid alongthe side portions of the frame until it reaches the position shown inFig. 4. At this time the cr'oss bar 26 of the rear shelf section I 2again occupies its original position on the front sections l6 of theside portions of the frame. In this position of the shelf the entireportion forward of the rear shelf section I2 is available for thestorage of tall articles resting on the floor of the cabinet or on alower shelf. When the full depth of the shelf is again required thereverse operation is performed and the shelf section I3 is shifted tothe position shown in Fig. 2, the perpendicular relationship of theplane of the hooks 32 and the plane of the inclined sections l8 of theside portion of the frame again facilitating the movement of the shelfsection I 3 along the frame.

The width of the rear shelf section [2, is the length of the shelf wires27, exceeds the length of the sections ll of the side portions of theframe I I so that the front cross bar 23 of this shelf section issupported on the front sections I8 of the side portions of the frame.Also, the spacing between the hooks 32 and the depending portions 3! ofthe front shelf section is chosen so as to be less than the length ofthe rear sections I! of the side portions of the frame so that, in theposition shown in Fig. 4, the shelf section I3 is supported entirely onthe lower rear sections I! of the side portions of the frame.

In Fig. there is illustrated a modified form of the invention whichfurther facilitates the shifting of the front shelf section to aposition beneath the rear shelf section. In this form the rear shelfsection is made somewhat narrower than in the form previously describedso that there is a greater space between the cross bar 28 of the frontshelf section and the cross bar 26 of the rear shelf section. The endcross Wires 33 of the front shelf section are extended downwardly andrearwardly beyond the cross bar 28, as indicated by 34. While the endwires 33 have been shown so extended, it will be apparent that pairsthat of wires other than the wires 33 might be extended instead and, ifdesired, a single wire, centrally located, might be employed. The end ofthe portion 34 of each of the wires 33 extends beneath the cross bar 26of the rear shelf section. In this form it is not necessary to manuallyswing the front end of the rear shelf section upwardly to permit slidingof the front shelf section to the position shown in Fig. 4. The frontshelf section is merely slid toward the rear. During initial movement ofthe front shelf section, the cross bar 26 rides up the sloping portions34 of the shelf wires 33. The front shelf section thereby passes beneaththe rear shelf section, and may then be slid to the position shown inFig. 4.

While I have shown and described a specific embodiment of my inventionas applied to a household refrigerator cabinet, I do not desire myinvention to be limited to the particular construction shown and Iintend, by the appended claims, to cover all modifications within thespirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is:

1. A shelf comprising a frame having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said side portions including a front section and arear section in different horizontal planes and an inclined sectionconnectin said front and rear sections, a rear shelf section, and afront shelf section slidable on said frame for positioning in verticallyspaced stacked relationship with said rear shelf section, said frontshelf section including a hook extending beneath said frame to preventtipping of said front shelf section, the plane of said hook a frontshelf section slidable on said frame for positioning below said rearshelf section, said front shelf section including a hook extendingbeneath said frame to prevent tipping of said front shelf section, theplane of said hook being substantially perpendicular to the plane of oneof said inclined sections to facilitate sliding of said front shelfsection over said one of said inclined sections.

3. A shelf comprising a frame having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said portions including a front section, a lower rearsection and an inclined section connecting said front and said rearsections, a rear shelf section, and a front shelf section slidable on'said frame, said front shelf section being slidable between a firstposition in the same horizontal plane as said rear shelf section and asecond position below said rearshelf section, said front shelf sectionincluding a hook extending beneath said frame to prevent tipping of saidfront shelf section, the plane of said hook being substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of one of said inclined sections tofacilitate sliding of said front shelf section over said one of saidinclined sections.

4. A shelf comprising a frame havin a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said side portions including a front section, a lowerrear section, and an inclined section connecting said front and rearsections, a rear shelf section, and a front shelf section slidable onsaid frame for smegma.

5 positioning below said rear=she1f section; said front? shelf sectionincluding twohooks, eachof. said-hooks extending beneath one of saidside portions of said frame toi prevent tipping of said frontshelfsection, the planeof each of saidhooks beingsubstantiallyperpendicular to-the plane of the correspondinginclinedsection of said frame to: facilitate sliding of said front shelfsection over said inclined: sections.

5'. A shelf comprising-aframe having a"- rear portion and t'wo sideportions, each of'said side portions including a front section and arear section in different horizontal planes and an inclined sectionconnecting said front and rear sec tions, a rear shelf section, and afront shelf sec tion slidable on said framefor positioning in verticallyspaced stacked relationshipwith said rear shelf section, said frontshelf section including a hook extending beneath said frame and inengagement with the lower surface thereof for preventing-tipping of saidfront shelf section, the planeof said h'ook bein substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of 'one of said inclined sections tofacilitate sliding of said front shelf section over said one of saidinclined sections.

6. A shelf comprising a frame having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of" said'sid'e portions including a front section, alower rear section and an inclined" section connecting said front andrear' sections, at least a section of said rear portion being arrangedin substantially the same horizontal plane as said front. sections ofsaid side portions of said frame, a rear shelf sec-- tion supported onsaid section of saidrear portion of said frame and said front sectionsof said side portions of saidframe, and'a front shelf section supportedon said front sections of said frame and slidable onsaid frame forpositioning below'said rear shelf section, said front shelf sectionincluding hooks extending beneath said frame to prevent tippingofsaidfront shelf section, the plane of each of" said hooks beingsubstantially perpendicular to the plane of its respective inclinedsection to facilitate sliding of said front. shelf section over saidinclined: sections.

'7. A shelf comprising a frame. having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said side portions. including a front section, a lowerrear section and an inclined section connecting said 5 front and rearsections, at least: a. section; of said rear portion being arranged insubstantially the same horizontal plane as said front sections, a rearshelf section, said rear shelf section being wider than the length ofeach of said rear sections of said side portions of said frame wherebysaid rear shelf section is supported on said section of said rearportion of said frame and on said front sections of said side portionsof said frame, and a front shelf section supported on said frontsections of said side portions of said frame in the same horizontalplane as said rear shelf section, said front shelf section beingslidable on said frame for positioning on said lower rear sections ofsaid side portions of said frame beneath said rear shelf section, saidfront shelf section including a hook extending beneath said frame, theplane of said hook being substantially perpendicular to the plane of oneof said inclined sections to facilitate sliding of said front shelfsection over said one of said inclined sections.

8. A shelf comprising a frame having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said side portions including a front section, a lowerrear section and an inclined section connecting said iii) front andrear'sections, at least a section. ofsaid rear portionbeingarranged insubstantially the same horizontal plane as said front sections, a

rear shelfs'ectiom said rear shelf section being wider than-thelengtlrof each of said. rear sections of'said side portions of saidframe whereby saidrear shelf section is supported. on said section of"said rear portion of said frame and on said-'front-sectionsof said sideportions of said frame; and a front shelf section arranged to besupported-Lin afi'rstposition on said front sections ofsaidside-portions of said frame in the same horizontal plane as saidrear shelf section, said front-shelf'section: being slidable on saidframe to. a: second positionton' said lower rear sections of said sideportions of said frame beneath said rear shelf: section, said frontshelf section including -a hook extending beneath said frame, the planeof-"said hook being substantially perpendicular to the plane of one ofsaid inclined sections to=--facilitate sliding of said front shelfsection over'said one of -said inclined sections, said front shelfsection being supported on said frame at points spaced closer" than thelength of said rear sections-of'said side portions of saidframe where--by: said front shelf section is supported entirely by said rearsectionsin said'second position of said front shelf section.

9. A shelf comprising a frame having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said side portions including front section, a lowerrear section and an inclined section connecting said front and rearsections, at least one bracket be'-- ing secured to saidrear portion ofsaid frame, a rear shelf section supported for swingingmovement'insaidbracket a-ndadapted to rest on said front sections ofsaid side portions of said frame, and" a front shelf section supportedon said front sections of said side portions of said' frame. andslidable on said frame for positioning below said rear shelf-section;said rear shelf section being swingaole upwardly to permit passage ofsaidfront shel-fsection beneath said rear shelf section, said frontshelf section includingtwo'. hooks extending beneath said frame toprevent tipping of said front shelff section, the plane of each of saidhooksbeing substantially perpendicular to theplanezof. its respectiveinclined section to facilitate sliding of said front shelf sect-ionoversaidiinclined sections.

10'. A shelf. comprising a. frame having a rear portion and' two sideportions, each of said side portions including a front section, a lowerrear section and an inclined section connecting said front and rearsection-s, a rear shelf section, and a front shelf section slidable onsaid frame for positioning below said rear shelf section, said frontshelf section including a hook extending beneath said frame to preventtipping of said front shelf section, the plane of said hook beingsubstantially perpendicular to the plane of one of said inclinedsections to facilitate sliding of said front shelf section over said oneof said inclined sections, said front shelf section further including aportion extending beneath a portion of said rear shelf section tofacilitate sliding of said front shelf section beneath said rear shelfsection.

11. A shelf comprising a frame having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said side portions including a front section, a lowerrear section and an inclined section connecting said front and said rearsections, a rear shelf section, and a front shelf section slidable onsaid frame, said front shelf section being slidable between a firstposition in the same horizontal plane as said rear shelf section and asecond position below said rear shelf section, said front shelf sectionincluding a .hook extending beneath said frame to prevent tipping ofsaid front shelf section, the plane of said hook being substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of one of said inclined sections tofacilitate sliding of said front shelf section over said one of saidinclined sections, said front shelf section further including a portionextending beneath the front edge of said rear shelf section whereby saidfront edge is elevated during initial movement of said front shelfsection from its first position to its second position to facilitatesliding of said front shelf section beneath said rear shelf section.

12. A shelf comprising a frame having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said side portions including a front section, a lowerrear section and an inclined section connecting said front and said rearsections, a rear shelf section, and a front shelf section slidable onsaid frame, said front shelf section being slidable between a firstposition in the same horizontal plane as said rear shelf section and asecond position below said rear shelf section, said front shelf sectionfurther including a portion extending beneath the front edge of saidrear shelf section whereby said front edge is elevated during initialmovement of said front shelf section from its first position to itssecond position to facilitate sliding of said front shelf sectionbeneath said rear shelf section.

13. A shelf comprising a frame having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said side portions including a front section, a lowerrear section and an inclined section connecting said front and said rearsections, a rear shelf section including two cross bars and connectingshelf wires, and a front shelf section including two cross bars andconnecting shelf wires, said front shelf section being slidable betweena first position in the same horizontal plane as said rear shelf sectionand a second position below said rear shelf section, at least one ofsaid wires of said front shelf section extending beneath one of saidcross bars of said rear shelf section whereby during initial movement ofsaid front shelf section from its first position toward its secondposition said cross bar is elevated to permit passage of said frontshelf section therebeneath.

14. A shelf comprising a frame having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said side portions including a front section and arear section in different horizontal planes and an inclined sectionconnecting said front and said rear sections, a rear shelf sectionincluding two cross bars and connecting shelf wires, and a front shelfsection including two cross bars and connecting shelf wires said frontshelf section being slidable between a first position in the samehorizontal plane as said rear shelf section and a second posi-- tionbelow said rear shelf section, at lea-st one of said wires of said frontshelf section extending beneath one of said cross bars of said rearshelf section whereby during initial movement of said front shelfsection from its first position toward its second position said crossbar is elevated to permit passage of said front shelf sectiontherebeneath, said front shelf section including a hook extendingbeneath said frame to prevent tipping of said front shelf section, theplane of said hook being substantially perpendicular to the plane of oneof said inclined sections to facilitate sliding of said front shelfsection over said one of said inclined sections.

15. A shelf comprising a frame having a rear portion and two sideportions, each of said side portions including a front section and arear section in different horizontal planes and an inclined sectionconnecting said front and rear sections, a rear shelf section, and afront shelf section slidable on said frame for positioning in verticallyspaced stacked relationship with said rear shelf section, said frontshelf section including two cross bars and a plurality of connectingshelf wires, one of said cross bars being bent to form a hook extendingbeneath said frame for preventing tipping of said front shelf section,the plane of said hook being substantially perpendicular to one of saidinclined sections to facilitate sliding of said front section over saidone of said inclined shelf sections.

WILLIAM R. JEWELL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,925,371 Charter Sept. 5, 19331,997,432 Replogle Apr. 9, 1935 2,095,130 Gates Oct. 5, 1937

